Judge Jeremiah S. Jeremiah, Jr., Chief Judge of the Rhode Island Family Court in Providence, was honored as “Judge of the Year” on July 20, 2005 by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges during the organization’s 68th Annual Conference held in Pittsburgh, Pa. The award is given annually to a judge whose leadership, dedication, fairness and innovation have created improvements in his or her juvenile or family court system.

Throughout his 19-year tenure on the Rhode Island Family Court bench, Judge Jeremiah, a longtime NCJFCJ member, former trustee, and frequent faculty member, has worked to improve the lives of Rhode Island’s children and families. His innovation and leadership have led to the establishment of nationally recognized specialty courts, including family and juvenile drug treatment courts, truancy court, and domestic violence court, which have been emulated throughout the country. According to NCJFCJ Executive Director Mary V. Mentaberry, "Judge Jeremiah's service to his community and to the field have been extraordinary over the years. We are pleased to recognize him for his commitment to juvenile and family justice in Rhode Island and nationwide."

Judge Jeremiah was honored in February with the Scripps Howard Foundation-American Bar Association Distinguished Service to Literacy Award for his exceptional efforts in addressing literacy and truancy concerns. He is president of the New England Association of Drug Court Professionals and past president of the National Truancy Prevention Association.

Upon being named “Judge of the Year,” Judge Jeremiah stated, "It is a distinct honor to be selected for the National Council's ‘Judge of the Year’ award. This is such a prestigious award and I am privileged to be the recipient. We have been very fortunate in Rhode Island to have successful Specialty Courts that have positively impacted so many individuals and families. I thank the Council for recognizing our programs that have become models across the Nation and I thank my staff for their dedicated service, extraordinary talents and professionalism."